Double auricle hearing aid

Made:
1850-1913 in England
maker:
Unknown

Hearing aid, comprising a pair of auricles with a connecting, adjustable metal headband, probably English, 1850-1913

Much like cupping your hand around your ear, this style of hearing aid helps to direct sound to the ear and provides some shelter from background noise. These might not look very discrete, but there were designed to be able to be hidden within Victorian women’s elaborate hairstyles or under hats.

Details

Category:
Audiology
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A602622
Materials:
plastic and brass
Measurements:
overall: 160 mm x 170 mm x 125 mm, .04 kg
type:
hearing aids
credit:
Edwards, T B